
England Cricket Team T20 (Source: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
The ongoing five-match T20I series between India and England is in its fag end with the final match scheduled for February 02 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The visitors came back well after going down in the first two games by winning the third match by 26 runs. However, a loss in Pune meant that India took an unassailable lead going into the game at Wankhede.
On paper, this game might be an inconsequential match for the visiting side. However, they will be expected to take the contest in as serious a manner as any high-stakes encounter. They would be keen on ending the 20-over segment on a high, to carry forward the same momentum in the three-match ODI series to follow.
Let’s look at 3 English players who can be impactful in 5th T20I
3. Saqib Mahmood
Playing his first competitive game in a couple of months, Saqib Mahmood started off with a bang. Coming in the place of Mark Wood, he commenced off his spell with a triple-wicket maiden. Although he was on the receiving end in his second spell, it was quite a decent game for the right-arm pacer.
The deck at the Wankhede, although conducive to batting, is bound to assist the pace bowlers at the start of each innings. Mahmood is expected be quite a handful with the ball due to the tendency of him generating swing. The manner in which Mahmood performs during the death overs will be crucial for England.
2. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone has not been at his best this series. Apart from the 24-ball 43 in the third T20I which comprised one four and five maximums, Livingstone has struggled to get going with the bat. The aggressive batter has been limited in his stroke-playing by a vibrant Indian bowling unit.
It could also be said that the batting all-rounder has been severely underutilised with the ball. He has only bowled a total of four overs in the four games played so far. England would want Livingstone’s all-round prowess to come to the fore in Mumbai.
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler kicked off the T20I series looking in scintillating touch. He top-scored for his side in both the games, registering scores of 68 and 45, respectively. However, the previous couple of games has seen the English skipper struggle in the middle.
Also Read: 3 Players who can make a big impact for India in 5th T20I
Buttler has been a constant feature of the Indian Premier League since the past nine seasons. In fact, he has played for Mumbai Indians in 2016 and 2017. His contribution coming in at No. 3 could be anticipated to play a vital role during the match.